By Siphamandla Goge
The Zulu royal household is gearing up for another glittering wedding. A daughter of King Goodwill Zwelithini is to marry a high-ranking government official later this month.
Princess Ntandoyenkosi Zulu, 25, will tie the knot with Busani Ngcaweni, 34, of Ndwedwe, north of Durban. Dates for the ceremonies have been set.
Royal household spokesperson Prince Mbonisi Zulu said a private traditional ceremony, called "umkhehlo", would be held on August 20, followed by the actual ceremony on August 22.
The princess would officially leave her home to join her in-laws on August 23 and phase two of the traditional ceremony, called "umgcagco", would be held at Ngcaweni's home on August 24.
The couple would perform their nuptials at St Margaret's Anglican Church in Nongoma.
Guests would have dinner at one of the king's palaces after the church service. Thousands of guests - including politicians, business people and representatives of other royal houses - are expected to attend the wedding.
"I can confirm that all preparations for Princess Ntandoyenkosi's wedding have been finalised. On August 22 she will marry Busani Ngcaweni," said Prince Mbonisi.
The Mercury has learnt that Ngcaweni works in the office of a top government official in Pretoria.
Princess Ntandoyenkosi is the daughter of Queen Sibongile Dlamini of Kwakhethomthandayo Royal Palace.
She is now working and furthering her studies in Johannesburg.
Asked about how many cows Ngcaweni had paid for ilobolo, Prince Mbonisi said "he paid everything".
"He doesn't owe the royal house a cent. That's why he will be taking the king's daughter. Everyone knows how much it costs to take the king's daughter.
"As per guests, it's very difficult to estimate how many people will come because the king's daughter belongs to the nation, so everyone is invited," he said.
In 2005, Princess Ntandoyenkosi was chosen by her father to be the head of all Zulu maidens. She is the second daughter of Kwakhethomthandayo Palace to get married.